play video its vs its
Commonly Confused

Its vs. It's

Some practical guidance, and interesting history, about a common mistake.


Some practical guidance, and interesting history, about a common mistake.

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play video its vs its
Its vs. It's

 

Some practical guidance, and interesting history, about a common mistake.

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Some Odd Words with ISMO: "Junk in the Trunk"

 

Comedian ISMO on what separates a boot from a trunk

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The History of 'Cynic'

 

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

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Affect vs. Effect

 

Here's the lowdown on what may be the most confusing pair of words in the English language.

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A Look at Uncommon Onomatopoeia

 

Some imitative words are more surprising than others

play video healthy vs healthful
Healthy vs. Healthful

 

Why both words are equally good for you.

play video how a word gets into the dicionary
How a Word Gets into the Dictionary

 

What our editors are looking for when they enter words in Merriam-Webster.